IFA 2006, Berlin, Germany – With sales expected to reach 1million sets around the world by the end of the year, Philips’ Ambilight technology is receiving an enthusiastic response from consumers. Ambilight backlighting adds a new dimension to the TV viewing experience by projecting background lighting from the rear of the TV onto the wall behind the set. The result is a perfect blending of the TV into the living room decor, with an improvement in the perceived picture quality in terms of contrast, colors and detail.
Perfect complement for HD TV viewing
Ambilight backlight technology is the perfect complement for the latest High Definition TV viewing, creating an immersive viewing experience and a much more relaxed viewing environment. The positive effects of Ambilight backlight technology are taken one step further with the latest developments: a new four-sided Ambilight FlatTV display. Called Ambilight Full Surround, this features a dramatic color and light effect on all sides of the screen to draw consumers even deeper into the action. The result is a captivating environment that redefines the home entertainment experience.
Recent research carried out by Philips shows that 85% of consumer who bought an TV set with Ambilight backlighting in the past year rate their product as either ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. In addition, it offers much more relaxed viewing also significantly reducing eye strain. For example, it has been found that as well as creating a pleasing dynamic effect, Ambilight also reduces eye fatigue by decreasing pupillary contractions caused by changing on-screen light intensities. That means the benefits of Ambilight backlight technology in terms of enhanced TV viewing are again underlined by professional findings.
More immersive viewing environment
With Ambilight backlight technology, Philips has taken another significant step forward in increasing the enjoyment of the TV viewing experience. Ten years ago Philips introduced the first FlatTV, and now Ambilight adds a further dramatic improvement of that experience. Ambilight made its debut at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show as a unique experience-enhancing viewing innovation. Utilizing Philips’ proprietary color analysis software, the ambient light is blended to match dominant colors on the FlatTV screen, extending the viewing field. This use of custom backlighting reduces eyestrain, improves the perceived picture detail, contrast and color and creates a deeper, more immersive viewing environment. The addition of a display containing Ambilight backlight technology also enhances the aesthetic balance in the room.
Ambilight Full Surround – complete immersion with four-sided color
Ambilight Full Surround, the most advanced generation of Ambilight technology, is an industry first that provides a continuous band of dynamic lighting to immerse viewers more than ever before. This ‘surround-sight’ effect – with light emitting from the left, right, top and bottom of the screen – allows consumers to enjoy a visual extension from all sides of the screen while creating a more relaxing entertainment experience by reducing eyestrain.
Ambilight sales exceed 1 million – Full Surround technology is latest advance
In addition, the entire display is surrounded by an integrated canvas that makes the screen appear to be floating when hung on the wall and produces a dramatic saturated color effect. The canvas also frees consumers to place the set wherever they desire, regardless of the color or surface of the wall. All in all, Ambilight Full Surround adds a new dimension to watching TV.
In addition to Ambilight Full Surround (four-sided model), the revolution continues to grow with the addition of Ambilight Surround (three-sided models). The new line of products containing Ambilight backlight technology, with sizes ranging from 37 to 50 inches (94-127cm), demonstrates the power of Ambilight technology to dramatically enhance the cinematic experience.
Ambilight 2 Channel – the original innovation improved with stereo lighting
Expanding the viewing experience through independent colors, Philips’ Ambilight 2 Channel technology creates a stereo, two-sided lighting environment. The light mode can be customized to match colors on each side of the set individually or both together. The Ambilight 2 Channel feature has increased light output, as well as new software that ensures an accurate match between colors on the screen and light displayed throughout the room.
The Ambilight backlight technology has already gained the recognition and support of the SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers), which said the optimum level of ambient light should be less than 10 percent of the peak white output of the television. This allows for an optimum viewing environment, while relaxing the iris and reducing eyestrain. The Ambilight backlight featured in a television provides this, enhancing the on-screen action rather than distracting from it. In line with the SMPTE’s recommendation, Ambilight background technology allows the user to choose a static warm or cool white effect. For customization, consumers can select the active mode where the software determines the color of the light or specify the ambient light color to suit personal preference.
Picture quality performance – HDTV, ClearLCD, Pixel Plus 3HD technology
Research carried out by Philips indicates that picture quality is a leading factor when consumers are purchasing TVs. Recognized as the highest quality format in digital television, high-definition television (HDTV) provides improved transmission, better resolution and color and superb surround sound. It offers up to five times sharper picture quality than current standard definition TV sets. HDTV also is the first complete digital ‘end-to-end’ solution. Philips already offers a wide range of high-definition television sets.
The new ClearLCD display is a major advancement in Philips’ goal of achieving maximum picture quality in its LCD TV products. ClearLCD technology addresses two common limitations of LCD TVs: motion artifacts in fast-moving pictures and reduced contrast in rooms with low ambient illumination. ClearLCD provides razor sharp moving images, dramatically increased black levels and contrast, and a much wider viewing angle. The result is considered a major breakthrough for the television industry and adds to the long list of achievements of a company that is a world leader in lighting and consumer electronics.
Ambilight sales exceed 1 million; Full Surround technology is latest advance
Pixel Plus 3HD technology enhances content from multiple sources, including HD and DVD material, to provide viewers with the next step in picture sharpness, true natural detail and increased depth impression.
Each pixel of the incoming picture is altered to better match the surrounding pixels in a true natural picture. Pixel Plus 3HD also creates the next step in brilliant and vivid colors while preserving white tones and natural skin tones.
Consumers also will appreciate reduced blurring effects that result in smooth, natural motion. In addition, the special artifacts within highly compressed multimedia content are detected and reduced – ensuring a clean and razor-sharp picture.
Philips’ entire range of Ambilight FlatTV sets are high-definition and feature Pixel Plus 3HD technology. Additionally, Philips’ HDTV sets include Nexperia semiconductor system solutions that improve picture quality.